So far it's like reading 'old, good' Stephen King. I'm halfway through and it does not feel at all like a slog, as so much of his work has in recent years. Now we'll just have to see if he's managed to write a decent ending (a weak point of his writing I've always found).

Enjoyed the book. He starts out gang-busters with his character definitions and situations. Oh, what characters that man can create. Style reminded me of Kings earlier works... I appreciated that. Must admit to some surprise with the last 200 or so pages... but, it was not disappointing in the manner of the Dan Brown book.
Overall, I give it a 4 1/2 stars. Has a nice beat and is easy to dance to.

Thank you for the double mention of this being on par with the "early" King ... I never liked the tv movies, only read a book about a marathon with people getting shot, but this thread might actually push me to get this book.

Thank you for the double mention of this being on par with the "early" King ... I never liked the tv movies, only read a book about a marathon with people getting shot, but this thread might actually push me to get this book.

The problem with King's stories and TV/Film, is that there is so much in the stories that happens in a character's head, and of course, there's no way to film that. His stories (for the most part) just don't translate well onto the screen. And it's a shame that so many folks who see the movies don't read the books, so they never understand what a really good story teller he is. (Please note...I did not say 'great author'....he's a darn good Story Teller!)

I'm finished! I would also put this book as being similar to King's Bachman Books. My fav order is now:

The Stand (still #1)
The Dark Tower Series
Under the Dome would be a tie with The Long Walk (I have been haunted by this story for years)

Spoiler:

Did anyone else imagine Rush Limbaugh as Big Jim.

I really enjoyed this book. Best in a long time. The Stand was my favorite as well. I tend to like a long read and they both qualified as long and engrossing. I was struck at how many pop culture and current event references were sprinkled throughout. This seemed a very "now" book. It will date itself. I do not remember his other works being so.

I really enjoyed this book. Best in a long time. The Stand was my favorite as well. I tend to like a long read and they both qualified as long and engrossing. I was struck at how many pop culture and current event references were sprinkled throughout. This seemed a very "now" book. It will date itself. I do not remember his other works being so.

Spoiler:

I did not get a Rush feel from Big Jim. Wishful thinking?

The "nowness" struck me as well. I laughed a the Tiger Woods references.

The Stand, for me, is still a great adventure, as is The Dark Tower series. Unrelated people coming together from different places and/or time. Both are big sweeping works with hope playing a very big part.

Under the Dome, for me was claustrophobic and really hopeless until the end, which was a bit too simple. BTW, the end reminded me of similar Twilight Zone and Star Trek episodes.

Oh and on "wishful thinking", maybe, since a certain person had some heart issues this past week. It just all seemed to fit.

There's more than one book in the world because we all have different taste. And while I "know" that S. K. is supposed to be great, there is something in him that reminds me of "A Confederacy of Dunces".

There's more than one book in the world because we all have different taste. And while I "know" that S. K. is supposed to be great, there is something in him that reminds me of "A Confederacy of Dunces".

I don't have a problem with you not liking The Stand but hwy are you "throwing" books away, instead of passing them on or donating them?